Manchester United have revealed that central defender Harry Maguire will be out for approximately three weeks due to a muscular problem.
Maguire had been the club's only senior centre-back available for selection, with Victor Lindelof, Lisandro Martinez, Raphael Varane and Jonny Evans on the sidelines.
Evans did return to training on Thursday, though, and the Northern Ireland international could potentially now be introduced back into the XI on Monday evening for the Premier League game against Crystal Palace.
Willy Kambwala had been benefitting from the centre-back injuries, but the 19-year-old has now missed his side's last three matches and will remain on the sidelines for the game with Palace.
"Harry Maguire has sustained a muscle injury that will keep him out for about three weeks," read a statement on Man United's official website on Sunday afternoon.
© Reuters
Harry Maguire to be absent for around three weeks
According to the Manchester Evening News, Man United are hopeful that Maguire will be fit for the FA Cup final against Manchester City on May 25, and he is also still set to represent England at Euro 2024.
Maguire has made 31 appearances for the 20-time English champions during the 2023-24 campaign, including 22 outings in the Premier League.
The 31-year-old has had his injury problems this term, though, and he will now miss the end of his side's Premier League season.
Maguire is set to miss the clashes against Palace, Arsenal, Newcastle United and Brighton & Hove Albion, with a view to returning for the FA Cup final at the end of the month.
© Reuters
Who else is on the sidelines for Man United?
Tyrell Malacia, Martinez, Varane, Luke Shaw, Marcus Rashford, Anthony Martial, Lindelof and Kambwala will again definitely be absent for Man United at Selhurst Park on Monday night.
Scott McTominay suffered a knee injury against Burnley last weekend, but the Scotland international is being tipped to return to the squad against Palace.
Man United are also hopeful that club captain Bruno Fernandes will be able to overcome a fitness scare to continue in the starting XI.
Evans is expected to start alongside Casemiro in the middle of the defence against Palace, with McTominay potentially coming into the midfield if he is available.
Antony scored his first Premier League goal of the season against Burnley last time out, meanwhile, and the Brazil international is set to continue in the XI.
Matt Law
